Artwork
Distribution of Bread
Distribution of Bread is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Cornelis de Wael. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Distribution of Bread is a 1640 oil painting by Cornelis de Wael, a Flemish artist who worked in Genoa. It is a representative work of the Flemish Baroque style and is now held in the State Hermitage Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a diverse group of people, including men, women, and children, gathered around a central figure distributing bread. The scene is set against a backdrop of buildings and a cloudy sky, creating a sense of everyday life.
Technique & Style
De Wael employed chiaroscuro to create depth and contrast, highlighting the central figure while shrouding the surrounding crowd in shadow. This technique draws attention to the act of bread distribution, imbuing the scene with drama.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis de Wael (Antwerp, 1592 – Rome, 1667) was a Flemish painter, engraver and merchant who was primarily active in Genoa in Italy.
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